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King's College

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$33,422 - 77,500
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational (boarding), Co-educational
Opened 1896
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Latin, Spanish, Tetum
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

King's College Auckland is a co-educational independent Anglican secondary school on a 42-acre campus in Ōtāhuhu. The school offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge AS/A Levels and a bespoke curriculum, with a 50:50 dual pathway to Cambridge qualifications and NCEA. In Years 9–11 the curriculum follows the NZ Curriculum, with Year 9 languages (French, Latin, Spanish or Te Reo Māori) and a range of option subjects; Years 12–13 follow a bespoke programme with a choice between Cambridge and NCEA qualifications. The campus houses Toi Manawa Music and Performing Arts Centre, library, and Learning Centre with digital tools. Sport is strong, with an Olympic-grade water-based hockey turf, a Golf Academy linked to Royal Auckland and Grange, a sports centre, gym, fields and ten tennis courts. Boarding is available at Te Pūtake Lodge for Year 9 and four boys' houses plus Middlemore House for girls. Round Square, Chapel Choir and partnerships enrich student life.

41 Golf Avenue, Otahuhu, Auckland 1062, New Zealand

The Essentials

King's College has instruction in English.

Location

Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus is described as beautiful, historic and superbly equipped to provide a top‑tier education.

Stages

Junior school: Years 9–10; Senior school: Years 11–13. The curriculum for Years 9–11 is aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum, with a dual pathway in Years 12–13 offering NCEA or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

Type

Independent Anglican-based secondary school; co-educational with boarding and day options.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

Religious affiliation

Anglican
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

King's College offers on-site boarding with three boys' houses: School House, St John's, and Selwyn, plus Te Pūtake Lodge for Year 9 boarders. The girls' boarding House is Middlemore House. An on-site Health Centre operates 24/7 to support boarding students.

Uniform Requirement

Boarding students wear a formal school uniform. There are Summer and Winter uniform components; the Summer kit includes grey shorts, white shirts, and black shoes, while the Winter kit includes a blazer, grey trousers, white shirts, a maroon wool pullover, a tie, and black shoes; some items may be optional (e.g., Le Faitaga, sandals).

Food Options

Meals are a formal part of the boarders' day; meals are served in the Dining Hall with over 1,100 meals prepared daily by dedicated kitchen staff. The menu includes cooked breakfasts, dinners, and a variety of hot and cold lunches; dietary requirements can be catered.

House System

King's College uses a house system: School House, St John's and Selwyn for boys, and Middlemore House for girls; Te Pūtake Lodge is a specialist Year 9 boarding house. Each house has a Housemaster, boarding Tutors and a House Manager living on site, and the system fosters community and tradition.

Governance and Ownership

King's College is governed by a Board of Governors and is an independent secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand. The Board is chaired by Shan Wilson; the Headmaster is Patrick Gale, with an Education Leadership Team responsible for day-to-day operations.
Fees

Annual tuition at King's College ranges from NZD 33,422 to NZD 77,500 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees

- Non-refundable application fee: NZD 350.
- Non-refundable confirmation of enrolment (acceptance) fee payable on acceptance: NZD 1,700.
- King's College Old Collegians' Association (KCOCA) one‑off subscription levy (compulsory): NZD 800, payable on acceptance. The KCOCA levy is refundable if the student does not commence and sufficient notice is given.
- Friends Association levy (annual, compulsory per family): NZD 50.

Domestic student tuition and related annual charges (2026) — totals and per‑term figures

Per‑term figures below are shown as the annual figure divided by four (four school terms) to give a straightforward per‑term equivalent.

- Year 9 (Day)
- Tuition (annual): NZD 32,572. Per term equivalent: NZD 8,143.
- Campus and Building Levy (annual): NZD 850. Per term equivalent: NZD 212.50.
- Total – Day (annual): NZD 33,422. Per term equivalent: NZD 8,355.50.
- Boarding option (where applicable): Boarding charge (annual): NZD 19,153. Per term equivalent: NZD 4,788.25; Total – Boarding (annual): NZD 52,575. Per term equivalent: NZD 13,143.75.

- Year 10 (Day)
- Tuition (annual): NZD 32,572. Per term equivalent: NZD 8,143.
- Campus and Building Levy (annual): NZD 850. Per term equivalent: NZD 212.50.
- Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) charge (annual for Year 10 day students): NZD 4,108. Per term equivalent: NZD 1,027.00.
- Total – Day (annual): NZD 37,530. Per term equivalent: NZD 9,382.50.
- Year 10 Boarding: Tuition (annual): NZD 32,572; Boarding (annual): NZD 19,153; EOTC (annual for Year 10 boarders): NZD 3,535 (per term equivalent NZD 883.75). Total – Boarding (annual): NZD 56,110. Per term equivalent: NZD 14,027.50.

- Years 11–13
- Tuition (annual): NZD 32,572. Per term equivalent: NZD 8,143.
- Campus and Building Levy (annual): NZD 850. Per term equivalent: NZD 212.50.
- Total – Day (annual): NZD 33,422. Per term equivalent: NZD 8,355.50.
- Boarding (annual): NZD 19,153. Per term equivalent: NZD 4,788.25; Total – Boarding (annual): NZD 52,575. Per term equivalent: NZD 13,143.75.

International student fees (2027) — annual totals and per‑term equivalents

Per‑term figures below are shown as the annual figure divided by four (four school terms) to give a straightforward per‑term equivalent.

- International boarding student standard package
- Tuition (annual): NZD 57,000. Per term equivalent: NZD 14,250.
- Boarding (annual): NZD 20,500. Per term equivalent: NZD 5,125.
- Combined Tuition + Boarding (annual): NZD 77,500. Per term equivalent: NZD 19,375.

- Additional standard international charges (annual unless stated)
- Enrolment Application Fee: NZD 350.
- Enrolment Acceptance Fee: NZD 1,700.
- Incidentals allowance (annual, refundable if unspent): NZD 6,000.
- Building Levy (annual): NZD 850.
- Alumni Fee (KCOCA, one‑off): NZD 800.
- Caregiver Fee (annual, when the College appoints a caregiver): NZD 3,800.
- Homestay (term breaks, refundable): NZD 3,600 per annum (homestay option quoted at NZD 420 per week in the schedule). Homestay arrangement fee (annual): NZD 500.
- Airport transfer (per trip): NZD 85.
- Year 10 EOTC / Adventure Challenge (where applicable): NZD 3,535.

- Incidentals breakdown shown for international students (examples included in the incidental allowance)
- Uniform: NZD 1,500.
- Classroom expenses & trips: NZD 2,000.
- Friends subscription: NZD 50.
- Insurance (estimate varies at time of quote/purchase): NZD 700.
- Music / sport expenses: NZD 1,000.
- Exam fees: variable; where applicable (NCEA / Cambridge).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are charged on an annual basis with options to arrange regular instalments. Direct debit instalments may be set up monthly, fortnightly, or weekly.
- Credit card payments are accepted by prior arrangement; a 2% credit card surcharge applies.
- A 2% discount is offered for payment of the annual tuition fee by bank transfer if paid by the specified early‑payment date (example date shown for the 2026 cycle: 26 January 2026).
- Incidental Accounts (for items charged in addition to tuition/boarding) are recovered monthly and must be paid by direct debit. Parents/guardians may place a monetary limit on Uniform Shop spending by contacting the Accounts Office.

Boarding fees and boarder inclusions

- Domestic boarding charge (annual): NZD 19,153. Per term equivalent: NZD 4,788.25. Boarding is charged in addition to tuition where applicable.
- International boarding charge (annual): NZD 20,500. Per term equivalent: NZD 5,125.
- The tuition fee includes most class textbooks, workbooks and stationery; transport to sporting fixtures and curriculum activities within the Auckland area; visits to Ahuroa Camp (except Year 10 Adventure Challenge); student ID cards and House photographs (replacement cards are charged); student admission to College; and house entertainment for boarders.

Other costs and routine incidentals

- Uniform purchases from the College Uniform Shop are charged to the Incidental Account; parents may set a spending limit. Example international incidental allocation shows NZD 1,500 for uniform.
- Medical centre attendance fee: NZD 25 per visit.
- Hospital fee for non‑boarders where ACC does not apply; physiotherapy visits (ACC visits incur a NZD 10 surcharge).
- Photographs, music and sport expenses, certain classroom trips, and lost or unreturned textbooks may be charged to the Incidental Account. Exam fees for NCEA and Cambridge are charged where applicable. Example international incidental allocations list classroom expenses & trips NZD 2,000 and music/sport NZD 1,000.

Refunds and non‑refundable items

- The application fee (NZD 350) and the confirmation of enrolment / acceptance fee (NZD 1,700) are non‑refundable.
- The KCOCA one‑off subscription levy (NZD 800) is refundable if the student does not commence and sufficient notice is given.
- Incidental account balances for international students that remain unspent are refundable.

Fee payment methods

- Direct debit (with instalment frequency options: monthly, fortnightly, or weekly).
- Credit card (by prior arrangement; 2% surcharge applies).
- Bank transfer (examples show a prompt‑payment discount where applicable).

Contacts for fee enquiries

- Accounts Receivable Officer: phone (09) 276 0769; email a.receivable@kingscollege.school.nz.
Academics

King's College teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

Two-year Junior School curriculum for Years 9 and 10 provides a broad foundation across core subjects, with Year 9 languages and a range of option subjects such as Art, Coding, Money Matters, Performing Arts, Technology and Music. Year 9 must choose one language (French, Latin, Spanish or Te Ao Māori) and pick three option subjects; Year 10 selects two options in addition to core subjects. In Senior School, King's offers a dual qualification pathway: Cambridge International Examinations (Cambridge) and the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), with a 50:50 distribution across the two pathways. In Year 11 students can pursue Cambridge AS or NCEA Level 2, and in Years 12 and 13 they must choose between the two pathways, with Cambridge AS/A Level or NCEA Level 2/3 as available options. The Years 9–11 curriculum is aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum, and subject prerequisites guide progression; the College encourages breadth to preserve future options.

Student Teacher Ratio

Our classes rarely exceed 22 students, a low student-to-teacher ratio that supports more individual attention.

Exam Results

In 2024, 97% of King's College students achieved University Entrance (UE) via Cambridge International Examinations and 90% achieved UE via NCEA.

Higher Education Progression

The University of Auckland is the top destination for King's College leavers, with other common destinations including the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT and the University of Queensland. Catalyst: STEM at the University of Auckland offers enrichment opportunities for high-achieving Year 12 students, including hands-on research experiences and campus visits.

Gifted and Talented

Kin g's College supports gifted and talented learners through programs such as Catalyst: STEM, a high-value enrichment experience for top-performing Year 12 students hosted at The University of Auckland, featuring hands-on science and exposure to university life.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral care forms the basis of support for both boarding and day students at King's College through the House system. Each student has an adult mentor within the House who provides ongoing guidance and support as they navigate school life. Te Puna Whaiora, the Health Centre, offers a 24-hour, 7-day service for boarding students and care during College hours. A dedicated team of Counsellors supports student wellbeing, and Positive Education underpins the College's approach to social and emotional development. The College emphasizes a safe, caring community where students belong, connect with peers, and have opportunities to develop resilience and social-emotional skills.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Learning Centre provides extra numeracy and literacy support for students who need it. It focuses on five key elements to help students reach their potential: communication, support, curriculum, achievement, and monitoring progress opportunities. The College identifies individual student needs early and involves parents in planning. There is close liaison with education assessment and learning support services, and, where necessary, with social services, educational welfare and medical services. The Centre offers a range of supports, including peer-to-peer tutoring, small-group literacy and numeracy support, learning-centre classes, and in-house screening, with a goal of helping students with learning differences develop a positive self-image and receive appropriate pastoral support. Generous staff-to-student ratios enable good support for all students, including those with additional learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Entries require a satisfactory level of English, both written and spoken. International students are integrated into all College classes. If English is not strong enough, the International Department can arrange interpreter support. King's College offers language study opportunities as part of the curriculum, with languages including French, Latin, Spanish and Te Reo Māori. The College maintains an International Student Programme to support students' experience.

Mental Wellbeing

King's College has a dedicated counselling team to support student mental health. Positive Education and pastoral care are a whole-College responsibility with staff across the school taking an active role in wellbeing. Te Puna Whaiora, the Health Centre on campus, supports physical health as part of overall wellbeing. The House system and mentoring provide daily emotional support and a sense of belonging, while the Chapel and Religious Studies programme contribute to resilience and community. Students are encouraged to seek help early, and confidential counselling services are available to them.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and student safety are priorities at King's College. The chaplaincy team and pastoral care support the wellbeing and safety of every student. King's College has safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect students. The College's Anglican ethos emphasises safeguarding and a culture of care, and Pastoral Care is a central element of safeguarding. The Student Protection Policy outlines the College's safeguarding framework.
Parent Experience

History

King's College opened in 1896 in Remuera with the aim of providing the best all-round education it is possible to obtain. In 1922, after growing to more than 400 students and amalgamating with St John's Collegiate, the college moved to its current Ōtāhuhu site on 42 acres purchased from the Middlemore Golf Club; the foundation stone of the chapel was laid in 1922 and construction was completed in 1925. The Memorial Chapel opened in 1925, and the Abbott Building remains central to campus life. The centenary in 1996 was marked by the opening of a new library, other facilities, and classrooms; later additions include the Roy Kelley Design Technology Centre (1999), the Campbell Sports Complex (2007), and Toi Manawa, the Music and Performing Arts Centre. The King's College Foundation was founded in 1980 to ensure ongoing financial stability and independence of the College.

Community

King's College describes its community as an enduring network of current students and Old Collegians, supported by parents, whānau, sponsors, and others. Key groups include Friends of King's College, Old Collegians (KCOCA), The Foundation, Floreat Semper, and The Oaks Fellowship, as well as Sports Supporters Clubs. Parents and whānau are encouraged to engage with the school, including involvement through the Friends of King's College Association. The Old Collegians Association runs activities, the Foundation funds initiatives and scholarships, the Floreat Semper Fellowship connects older alumni and former staff, and the Rugby Supporters Club and other sports supporters groups help the College's sporting programmes.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Friends of King's College Association (FoKC) provides opportunities for parents, caregivers, and family to engage with school life; one of the most impactful ways to involve groups is through FoKC.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

King's College Auckland sits on a substantial, leafy campus that combines historic and modern facilities. Key spaces include a dining hall, library, lecture theatres, and the Tol Manawa Music and Performing Arts Centre. Te Pūtake Lodge provides Year 9 boarding on campus. The campus accommodates academic wings and performance spaces around a central precinct, with Tol Manawa and Archdall Wing visible on campus maps. A range of sporting and recreational facilities supports daily life, teaching, and events.

Sports Facilities

The College offers state-of-the-art sports facilities and technology to support high-performance sport, including GPS monitoring and body composition analysis. A world-class track sits at the centre of the campus, and the Golf Academy operates with the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. The facilities include an Olympic-grade water-based hockey turf, a modern gym, multiple sports fields, ten tennis courts, a heated swimming pool, and a dedicated sports hall. The sports programme covers athletics, archery, cricket, netball, rugby, sailing, rowing, and more.

Academic Facilities

Digital technologies are integrated into learning, with iPads and AR used in classrooms. The Learning Centre provides numeracy and literacy support, including workshops, subject help, peer tutoring, screenings, learning centre classes, and exams accommodations. Students can pursue dual qualification pathways with NCEA or Cambridge International Examinations. e-Learning and online resources are an established part of the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular opportunities include sports, performing arts, outdoor education, and Round Square. The College runs a broad range of clubs and activities, including Chess Club and VEX Robotics, with student-led initiatives evident at events like the annual Club Fair.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

King's College offers dual qualification pathways: National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). In Years 9 and 10, students gain a broad academic foundation, while Years 11–13 follow a bespoke programme with a choice between NCEA and Cambridge in the later years. Classes are small, rarely exceeding 22 students, enabling personalised learning. Eight key dimensions—Learning, Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, Service, and Spirituality—shape teaching and learning to develop critical thinking and global citizenship. The school also uses e-Learning to integrate digital technologies into learning.

Arts & Creative

Performing arts offer a broad programme that helps students express creativity, build confidence, and learn new skills. There are opportunities in music and drama, including the Chapel Choir which performs at chapel services and events. The co-curricular programme also encompasses theatre and visual arts, with students able to engage in productions and exhibitions.

Cultural & Language

Languages taught include French, Spanish, Te Reo Māori, and Latin, with senior courses aligned to Cambridge or NCEA. These subjects are offered across Years 9–13 to support qualification choices. The International Student Programme and the House system support cultural engagement for students from many backgrounds.

Social & Hobbies

King's fosters a broad portfolio of activities beyond the classroom, including sports, performing arts, and outdoor education. Inter-House competitions in sport, drama, debate, and music provide leadership and teamwork opportunities. Round Square connects students to an international network and experiential learning.

Community & Service

Community service is central to life at King's, with a dedicated programme and the Voyager course that explore service and faith in action. The school partners with local organisations such as Mangere Refugee Centre, Reading in Schools, Middlemore Hospital, Women's Refuge, and IHC-related initiatives to provide community service experiences. International students participate in community service as part of the King's experience, and the Chaplaincy-led programmes foster service and outreach.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership opportunities are embedded in the House system, with roles for students and Year 13 House Prefects. Inter-House competitions foster leadership in sport, drama, debate, and music. A Careers Director supports student career planning and university entrance.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Boarding is a central part of King's life, with Te Pūtake Lodge supporting Year 9 boarders and four boarding houses for boys plus Middlemore House for girls. The Health Centre (Te Puna Whaiora) offers 24/7 on-site care, and pastoral care is strengthened by House staff, mentors, counselling, and wellbeing programs. The motto Mauri tū, mauri ora—an active soul is a healthy soul—pervades co-curricular life, which also includes sports, outdoor education, and a vibrant Chapel and chaplaincy.]} Each field references: dual qualification and philosophy (academic), performing arts and Chapel Choir (arts), languages (French, Spanish, Te Reo Māori, Latin; international programme) (culture/language), co-curricular and Round Square (social), community service and partnerships (community), House system and Careers Director (leadership/professional), boarding life, health centre, and wellbeing ethos (lifestyle).
Languages

Language Provision

The school offers four languages: French, Latin, Spanish and Te Reo Māori. In Year 9, taking a language is compulsory, with students choosing one of these four options. In Year 10, students may continue with their language and may select two languages overall. In the Senior School, Te Reo Māori is offered at Level 2 (NCEA pathway), and other languages such as French, Latin and Spanish are available as senior subjects.
Admissions

Admissions

1) Application form. Domestic applications begin with submitting the required documents in low resolution formats for upload: the student's most recent school report with teachers' comments, a completed student CV, any educational assessments, the student's NZ passport/birth certificate (or passport if not born in NZ), proof of residency/eligibility to study in NZ if applicable, two referees' contact details, a recent head-and-shoulders photo (preferred but not essential), and a non-refundable NZ$350 application fee. If applying more than two years in advance, some documentation is not required. 2) Interview and college tour. Prospective students are invited to an interview with the Head of Admissions, followed by a campus tour; families may attend regular campus tours, with dates listed on the events page. 3) Offer of place for successful applicants. Offers consider interview outcome, the student's interests, activities and academic record, and family or other association with the College; there is a preference for boys to join in Year 9 and girls in Year 11, with a strong preference that new enrolments start at the beginning of each academic year, but any offer is made at the sole discretion of the College and will be emailed to successful candidates. 4) Acceptance of the offer. To secure the place, the Admission Agreement, direct debit form, and medical form must be completed, along with payment of the enrolment fee and the King's College Old Collegians' Association (KCOCA) lifetime membership fee, before the expiry dates; after fees and forms are received, the College will advise what else must be completed before the student starts. 5) Year 9 placement examinations. All students who have accepted Year 9 places must sit placement examinations, which usually occur late in Term 4.

Scholarships

King's College offers a range of scholarships and bursaries funded by donors, with the aim of providing the opportunity for more students to attend King's College regardless of financial means. All scholarship and bursary applicants must complete an admission application with a full CV. General scholarship applications for 2027 are open and close at 4pm on 1 April 2026; music scholarships have separate audition processes and deadlines. Available scholarships include: James Webster Memorial Scholarship; Music Scholarships (provision of $5,000 toward tuition fees for five years; requires proficiency in instrument and/or choral auditions); KCOCA Bursaries; Academic Scholarships for Year 9 entry ($5,000 toward tuition fees for five years; examination required with a $100 processing fee); Sports Scholarships (four awarded annually, $5,000 toward tuition fees; preference for new enrolments); Phil Ryall Bursary (not available in 2027); Roger Bartley Memorial Scholarship (not available in 2027); LV Bruce Bursary for Sons of Old Collegians ($6,000 per annum); Stride Scholarship for Boys from King's School (for new enrolments in 2027); Peter and Joanna Masfen Scholarships (two awards covering 50% of annual tuition for selected entrants); boarding scholarships for boys and girls (e.g., Bradley Fenner Scholarship not available in 2027; Mark and Angela Clatworthy Scholarship; Peter W Wilson Memorial Boarding Scholarship; William Thode Memorial Scholarship; Ian Kirkpatrick Rugby Scholarship; and various bursaries for girls such as Middlemore Bursary, Taylor Bursary, Marion Bruce Bursary, Richard and Yvette Hall Scholarship). Some scholarships are year-specific and may not be available in every year; all scholarships and bursaries are reviewed annually and may be withdrawn if performance is unsatisfactory. Government boarding allowances are also available through the Ministry of Education. For eligibility details, contact the Head of Admissions.
School Events
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